montelukast granules - oral, Singulair (cont.)

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking montelukast and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.You may swallow your dose plain, dissolve it in certain liquids, or mix it with a spoonful of soft food (such as applesauce) before swallowing. After opening the foil packet, take your dose within 15 minutes.If you are mixing the granules in liquid, empty the packet into a small cup with 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) of baby formula or breast milk (cool or at room temperature). Do not mix with water or other liquids. Stir well, and take the entire mixture immediately. Do not save it for later use. After taking the liquid mixture, you may drink other liquids if desired.If you are mixing the granules in soft food, mix only with the following foods: applesauce, mashed carrots, rice, or ice cream. Empty the packet into a small cup with 1 spoonful of soft food (cool or at room temperature) and mix completely. Take all of the mixture right away. Do not save it for later use.Take this medication at the same time each day. If you are taking this medication for asthma or for both asthma and allergies, take your dose in the evening. If you are taking montelukast to prevent only allergies, take your dose either in the morning or the evening.If you are taking this medication to prevent breathing problems during exercise, take your dose at least 2 hours before exercise. Do not take more than one dose in 24 hours. Do not take a dose before exercise if you are already taking this medication daily for asthma or allergies. Doing so may increase the risk of side effects.Do not increase or decrease your dose or stop using this medication without consulting your doctor. Continue to use this medication regularly to keep your asthma under control, even during sudden asthma attacks or periods when you have no asthma symptoms. Continue to also take other medications for asthma as directed by your doctor.This medication works over time and is not meant to relieve sudden attacks of asthma. Therefore, if an asthma attack or other breathing problem occurs, use your quick-relief inhaler as prescribed. You should always have a quick-relief inhaler with you.Learn which of your medications you should use every day and which you should use if your breathing suddenly worsens. Ask your doctor what to do if you have worsening cough or shortness of breath, wheezing, increased sputum, worsening peak flow meter readings, increased use of your quick-relief inhaler, or if your quick-relief inhaler does not seem to be working well. Learn when you can self-medicate and when you should get medical help right away.